One of the market leaders in traffic cameras and network video systems has introduced the industry’s first IP (Internet Protocol) cameras featuring an intelligent interchangeable CS-mount lens, which combines quick and easy installation, with intuitive configuration and high performance imaging.
This latest lens technology is the result of a joint development between Swedish camera manufacturer Axis Communications and the Japanese leading lens manufacturer Computar (CBC Group). The new intelligent i-CS lens in the new high-end fixed cameras can directly exchange information such as its geometrical distortion and the exact position of its zoom, focus and iris opening with the camera due to an open protocol system. Due to several motors inside the i-CS lens, both zoom, focus, and iris opening can be remotely adjusted. The exchange of information between the i-CS lens and the camera also enables easier setup of Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Barrel Distortion Correction (BDC), reducing the time needed for setup, and enabling easier installation.
The new Axis Q1615/-E Mk II features scene profiles, enabling the installer to select between Traffic overview, Forensic or Live profile. When choosing one of the preset scene profiles, the cameras automatically adjust exposure time, white balance, aperture, sharpness, contrast and noise, in order to obtain the best video quality for the selected surveillance requirements. The new fixed cameras can provide HDTV 1080p video at frame rates of up to 50/60 fps or HDTV 720p video at frame rates of up to 100/120 fps. This allows for detailed video capture of fast moving objects, which can be of great importance in applications such as highway and open-road tolling deployments, when monitoring high-speed vehicles.
The Q16 cameras feature Axis’ Zipstream technology, which significantly reduces bandwidth and storage requirements, while maintaining video quality. The cameras also support Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) – Forensic Capture, as well as Axis’ Lightfinder technology to ensure qualitative images in complex scenes. Suitable for use in multi-storey parking facilities, the indoor Q1615 Mk II model, and the outdoor Q1615-E Mk II unit for highway and city monitoring, are planned to be available in the third quarter of this year.
“In the past, CS-mount cameras had no information about what type of lens was mounted on them, making it necessary to manually fine-tune lens and camera settings for optimal results,” said Andres Vigren, global product manager at Axis Communications. “The new i-CS lens technology is based on an open protocol standard, allowing lens and camera to exchange information. The installer can remotely both set the focal length and focus the camera. All in all, this makes installation quick, easy and time-saving.”
